Democrats Host 'Politics and Pizza' Night in Del Ray

Delegates David Englin (D-45th) and Charniele Herring (D-46th) visited with fellow Democrats at a “Politics and Pizza” fundraising effort put on by the Virginia House Democratic Caucus Wednesday night at .

Englin, who is vice chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, spoke of Virginia Republicans targeting seats to potentially take in the November election, including those belonging to Robin Abbot (D-93rd) and Ward Armstrong (D-10th).

“The Republicans are putting millions into those seats,” Englin said.

Englin said he believes redistricting will make it a tough election year in the House of Delegates. The Democrats currently hold 39 seats, while the Republicans hold 60. Englin said he would “feel good” if the Democrats came out of the election with 35 seats.

“We need all the resources we can,” Herring said.

When an attendee asked Englin about the current political climate on Capitol Square in Richmond, the delegate said it’s a much better situation than what is currently being experienced on Capitol Hill.

“I’d say about 90 percent of the issues we deal with in Richmond are not ideological,” Englin said, adding that there is plenty of room to work across party lines to get things done. “We can beat each other up on the floor and still go out for a drink.”

The event was one of six hosted by the Virginia House Democratic Caucus around the state. The Arlington area Democratic delegation will hold its “Politics and Pizza” event on Monday at from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

“We’re just trying to generate support and awareness around the Commonwealth,” said Heidi Lynn Schlicher, deputy director for member services with the Virginia House Democratic Caucus.